Exam Profile: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals (MTA 98-365)

This article walks the user through the Windows Server Administration Fundamentals (98-365) exam. It discusses trouble spots, preparation hints and detailed exam objectives. By reading this, you will get a better idea of what to expect from the exam and the exam process.

Many people would like to pursue a career in technology, but lack the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue one of our Technology Specialist or Professional certifications. The Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification creates a new entry point to help those who have little practical experience get into the career field. The MTA is a new, entry-level certification designed to help individuals take the first step toward a career as an IT professional or developer. In order to achieve your MTA, you must pass the 98-365 exam, which tests your basic understanding of Server Installation, Server Roles, Active Directory, Storage, Server Performance Management, and Server Maintenance. After you pass the Windows Server Administration Fundamentals exam, you will have earned your MTA Certification.

When you earn an MTA Certification, you become a member of the Microsoft Certified Professional community. You will get access to members-only benefits such as special offers, the MCP transcript tool, and private newsgroups where you can network, find peer support, and share your accomplishments other certified professionals worldwide. This exam is also the first step towards becoming a Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS).

At this time, MTA is only available to students, faculty, and staff of an accredited academic institution that is an approved MTA testing center. MTA exams are only available at academic institutions that have purchased an MTA Campus License or MTA vouchers. MTA exams are delivered through an internet-based testing platform that allows delivery of exams anytime in any computer connected to the internet at a licensed academic institution. Educators are empowered as exam proctors.

The MTA validates 80% knowledge and 20% skills. The next step in the Microsoft certification path is Microsoft Technology Specialist (MCTS), which requires hands-on experience with the Microsoft technology platform. Microsoft makes its complete developer toolset available for students to download and install at no cost through the DreamSpark Program.

In order to earn an MTA Certification, candidates only need to pass one exam. The MTA Certification will expire after five years.

Exam Details

Number of Questions: Approximately 30-50 questions

Since Microsoft does not publish this information, the number of exam questions may change without notice.)

Types of Questions: Multiple choice

Passing Score: 70

This passing score does not mean that you must answer 70 percent of the items correctly in order to pass the exam. The actual percentage varies from exam to exam and may be more or less than 70 percent. There is no penalty for guessing. No points are deducted for incorrect answers. If a question specifies that you must choose multiple correct answers, you must choose the exact number of correct answers specified in the question in order to earn a point for that item. Some of the questions on the exam may not count toward the calculation of your score. Microsoft will often throw a question in that is meant to gather data that will help them improve the exam.